CVE-2016-5849 in SICAM PAS
Summary
by MITRE
Siemens SICAM PAS through 8.07 allows local users to obtain sensitive configuration information by leveraging database stoppage.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5849 affects Siemens SICAM PAS versions through 8.07, representing a significant security flaw that exposes sensitive configuration data to local attackers. This issue stems from improper handling of database operations within the system's architecture, specifically during database stoppage events. The vulnerability allows an attacker with local access to exploit the system's response to database interruptions and extract critical configuration information that should remain protected. The affected system operates within industrial control environments where maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of configuration data is paramount for operational security and protection against targeted attacks.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the system's failure to properly sanitize or restrict access to configuration data during database stoppage scenarios. When the database service experiences an interruption or shutdown, the SICAM PAS system does not adequately protect sensitive information that may be temporarily exposed or accessible through alternative data pathways. This flaw essentially creates a window of opportunity where local users can leverage the system's normal operational response to database failures to gain unauthorized access to configuration details that typically would be protected by access controls and data isolation mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates a lack of proper error handling and data protection during system recovery operations, which aligns with common weaknesses documented in CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and CWE-352 (Cross-Site Request Forgery) categories.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a serious risk to industrial environments that rely on Siemens SICAM PAS for process automation and control. Local attackers who can access the system may obtain sensitive configuration information including network settings, user credentials, system parameters, and operational procedures that could be leveraged for further attacks. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as the exposed configuration data could enable attackers to understand system architecture, identify potential attack vectors, and plan more sophisticated intrusion attempts. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where physical access controls may be insufficient, as local users with legitimate access could exploit this weakness to escalate their privileges or gather intelligence for broader attacks. The threat landscape for industrial control systems makes this vulnerability particularly concerning given the increasing sophistication of attacks targeting operational technology environments.
The security implications of CVE-2016-5849 align with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the information gathering and credential access phases, where adversaries seek to understand system configurations and extract sensitive data. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying available patches from Siemens, implementing proper access controls for database operations, and establishing monitoring for unusual database stoppage events. Additional protective measures should include regular security assessments of industrial control systems, network segmentation to limit local access privileges, and enhanced logging of database operations to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of comprehensive security testing during system development and the need for proper handling of error conditions in industrial control environments where security and availability must be balanced to prevent unauthorized access to critical configuration data.